Archive for the ‘Physical Safety’ Category

Top 10 Crazy Security Devices

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

1. An automated surveillance monitor of non-humans

Patented: June 29, 2004

The gist of this invention is to detect non-human activities to determine whether an alarm situation exists and it’s not just a cat or a bird tampering with your sensors. It includes an animal noise sensor and an animal noise analyzer to check with non-human animal noises.

Automated Surveillance Monitor of Non-Humans

2. “Baton”

Patented: December 18, 1997

Baton

This baton is special due to its appearance. But you use it like any other baton.

3. Gas Visual Notification Device

Patented: June 4, 2002

Gas Visual Notification Device

This device is mainly used for signaling distress. The compressed gas within the device is made up of a quantity of aerosol, and non-toxic micro-dispersion colored particles to add color to the compressed gas. When activated, the gas is released to serve as a visual notification that you are in duress.

4. An Alarm Device That Notifies You Have Experienced Fear

Patented: October 3, 1995

Alarm Device For Fear

It’s basically a computer system wherein the system compares the monitored psychological data to that of the stored stress profile data. When it determines a pattern that signifies fear, it activates the alarm.

5. Mobile Detection System That’s Like a Robot

Patented: February 18, 1993

Robotic Mobile Detection System

It detects any abnormal condition in your home, like a fire of an intruder. The robot then sends signals to a monitor, and the monitor alerts the authorities.

6. “The Instant Savior”

Patented: January 11, 1977

The Instant Savior

This is a personal security device in the form of a flashlight! It informs a person by remote control who is outside the door of his or her house. It gives a picture and determines whether the person outside is male, female, or child.

7. Protective Bed With Shield

Patented: February 6, 2004

Protective Bed With Shield

It’s bullet-proof and impact-resistant! It has quick access doors to provide entry to the interior sleeping area, and has a ventilation system and a rebreather that scrubs carbon dioxide from the air within the unit.

8. Cell phone and Gun In One

Patented: August 14, 2004

Cellphone and Gun In One

It basically a sort of cell phone or electronic device with an added tubular wall with a central bore to function as the barrel of a firearm. Electronic elements allow the bullet to be discharged.

9. Spit and Bite Protection

Spit and Bite Protection

Patented: April 4, 2002

This device is comprised of a collar that protects and stabilizes the neck. It helps prevent neck injuries and head-butting. It also has a face shield that is attached to the collar, and helps prevent spitting and biting. The shield can be released from the collar.

10. Missile-Proof Vest

Patented: February 9, 2001

Missile-Proof Vest

It’s a ballistic resistant body covering that protects the torso, groin, and neck from ballistic missiles. The torso and groin portions are made of ballistic resistant material.

Source: AlarmSystemReviews.com

The 12 Safest States in America

Monday, September 17th, 2007

1. North Dakota

This state ranks bottom on all crime categories.

Bismark, North Dakota

Rankings:

Murder: 50
Rape: 40
Robbery: 50
Assault: 49
Burglary: 50
Motor Vehicle Theft: 45

2. Vermont

The scenery, the tranquility… what’s not to like in Vermont?

Vermont

Rankings:

Murder: 48
Rape: 43
Robbery: 49
Assault: 47
Burglary: 38
Motor Vehicle Theft: 48

3. Maine

Maine is the safest place for residents who owns a car. It ranks lowest on the auto theft crimes.

Maine kayaking

Rankings:

Murder: 46
Rape: 39
Robbery: 44
Assault: 50
Burglary: 39
Motor Vehicle Theft: 50

4. New Hampshire

As New Hampshire is between Vermont and Maine, it is only natural that New Hampshire shares the same level of ranking.

Silver Lake, New Hampshire

Rankings:

Murder: 1
Rape: 45
Robbery: 1
Assault: 8
Burglary: 26
Motor Vehicle Theft: 6

5. Wyoming

Wyoming is known to be a state with low income and low economic growth, but it is commendable because it does not fall prey to crime.

Buffalo and Grand Teton

Rankings:

Murder: 36
Rape: 41
Robbery: 48
Assault: 32
Burglary: 40
Motor Vehicle Theft: 46

6. South Dakota

It may be one of the safest states to live in, but this state ranks high on the list of states with the most number of rape cases.

Mt. Rushmore, South Dakota

Rankings:

Murder: 40
Rape: 4
Robbery: 46
Assault: 46
Burglary: 48
Motor Vehicle Theft: 47

7. Montana

Montana’s low crime rate may be due to Montana residents owning guns and firearms.

Montana

Rankings:

Murder: 44
Rape: 27
Robbery: 45
Assault: 26
Burglary: 46
Motor Vehicle Theft: 40

8. Iowa

This sate has been constantly on the list of the safest and most livable states in America.

Iowa tours

Rankings:

Murder: 48
Rape: 34
Robbery: 42
Assault: 27
Burglary: 31
Motor Vehicle Theft: 44

9. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is another state that has consistently ranked low on crime rates.

Wisconsin Dell tours

Rankings:

Murder: 32
Rape: 46
Robbery: 33
Assault: 45
Burglary: 43
Motor Vehicle Theft: 37

10. West Virginia

West Virginia is know for its low crime rate and their affordable housing and land market.

West Virginia Capitol Building

Rankings:

Murder: 28
Rape: 49
Robbery: 40
Assault: 28
Burglary: 29
Motor Vehicle Theft: 41

11. Connecticut

Most New Yorkers think of settling down in this state to get away from the hassles of the Big Apple, even if it means a 1-hour commute.

Connecticut Castle Attractions

Rankings:

Murder: 35
Rape: 47
Robbery: 22
Assault: 44
Burglary: 44
Motor Vehicle Theft: 29

12. Idaho

Another city known to be consistently on the list of the safest states to live in is Idaho.

Boise, Idaho

Rankings:

Murder: 39
Rape: 13
Robbery: 46
Assault: 30
Burglary: 34
Motor Vehicle Theft: 42

Source: AOL Money and Finance

The World’s Most Secure Homes

Friday, September 7th, 2007

1. One Hyde ParkOne Hyde Park

One Hyde Park is surely the home to the world’s most expensive homes, which are specifically the four penthouses built in 2010 London development. Each one is listed at $165 million. and one of them is an apartment of Qatar foreign minister Shiekh Hamah. The top-flight units are said to have systems designed by former SAS officers. Security measures also include bulletproof glass windows, panic rooms, and iris recognition scanners. The building also has a full-time security personnel and license plate recognition parking lot.

2. Hala RanchHala Ranch

Secretary-General of Saudi National Security Prince Bandar bin Sultan’s high-security home in Colorado is valued at $135 million. It is reported that Hala Ranch has a sightline to NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), has a garage filled with armored SUVs, a full time security personnel, and cameras which cover all 95 acres of the property.

High End Security

  • Home Security System

    SAFE systems, a Los Angeles based firm, has been protecting chief executives, celebrities, and political power figures for more than 25 years. To provide top-notch security, they work from the outside to the inside, installing almost every security layer that gets harder to penetrate as you go in.

  • Doettling Luxury Safes

    Doettling luxury safesGerman-based Doettling Safes specializes in creating luxurious historical safes and strongboxes. The firm’s newest line of modern safes offer antique exteriors,with 24-karat gold leaf, and is priced between $55,000 and $160, 000. The safes are, of course, complete with top-notch security and has fingerprint and retina scanners.

  • Wireless Home Automation Systems

    Lagotek is a Washington-based company that designs wireless home automation systems that give the homeowners complete control over their home’s lighting, temperature, security and surveillance. And when the homeowner isn’t home, the system can still be controlled by Lagotek’s remote touch screen systems (which costs about $10,000-$15,000).

  • Automated Video Surveillance

    Automated Video Systems manufactures and installs professional grade surveillance systems. One of its product highlights is its 16-camera unit (priced at $4,800) that triggers on motion detection and has night vision. The unit has adjustable and zooming lenses, and can be viewed remotely from a personal computer, laptop, or PDA with Internet connectivity.

  • License Plate Recognition

    License Plate RecognitionLicense plate recognition sofware employs a series of algorithms to turn the video image of a vehicle’s plate into electronic text. This software costs around $1,500 to $3,000. It helps with authenticating the plates based on their anti-fraud features, logs the data into a computer where it is stored in the database.

  • Monitoring

    Home security monitoring is always better for home safety because it employs full-time detailed check on your home. ADT currently has a top of the line system that can do a visual sweep of both exterior and interior of the property using cameras,and give an all-clear before the homeowner even parks his or her car.

  • SmartWater solution

  • SmartWater Home Coding System

    SmartWater Technology has already release this invisible marker or solution and is very popular in the UK. Customers paint the clear liquid on their valuables and the solution gives out a glow under ultraviolet light. The solution contains a unique forensic code and can reveal a serial number, engraving, or company logo to be identified. It can also help in lifting prints!

  • Source: Forbes - High-Security, High End Homes

    6 Top Choices For Home Security Dogs

    Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

    A dog may not be able to take the place of a good and reliable home security system, but dogs are known to help thwart intruders and burglars. The tops choices for home security dogs, or guard dogs, are the following:

    1. Bullmastiff

    General Appearance: That of a symmetrical animal, showing great strength, endurance, and alertness; powerfully built but active. The foundation breeding was 60% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The breed was developed in England by gamekeepers for protection against poachers.

    BullmastiffSize, Proportion, Substance: Size — Dogs, 25 to 27 inches at the withers, and 110 to 130 pounds weight. Bitches, 24 to 26 inches at the withers, and 100 to 120 pounds weight. Other things being equal, the more substantial dog within these limits is favored. Proportion — The length from tip of breastbone to rear of thigh exceeds the height from withers to ground only slightly, resulting in a nearly square appearance.

    Gait: Free, smooth, and powerful. When viewed from the side, reach and drive indicate maximum use of the dog’s moderate angulation. Back remains level and firm. Coming and going, the dog moves in a straight line. Feet tend to converge under the body, without crossing over, as speed increases. There is no twisting in or out at the joints.

    Temperament: Fearless and confident yet docile. The dog combines the reliability, intelligence, and willingness to please required in a dependable family companion and protector.

    2. Rottweiler

    RottweilerGeneral Appearance: The ideal Rottweiler is a medium large, robust and powerful dog, black with clearly defined rust markings. His compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance. Dogs are characteristically more massive throughout with larger frame and heavier bone than bitches. Bitches are distinctly feminine, but without weakness of substance or structure.

    Size, Proportion, Substance: Dogs — 24 inches to 27 inches. Bitches — 22 inches to 25 inches, with preferred size being mid-range of each sex. Correct proportion is of primary importance, as long as size is within the standard’s range.

    The length of body, from prosternum to the rearmost projection of the rump, is slightly longer than the height of the dog at the withers, the most desirable proportion of the height to length being 9 to 10. The Rottweiler is neither coarse nor shelly. Depth of chest is approximately fifty percent (50%) of the height of the dog. His bone and muscle mass must be sufficient to balance his frame, giving a compact and very powerful appearance.

    Serious Faults — Lack of proportion, undersized, oversized, reversal of sex characteristics (bitchy dogs, doggy bitches).

    Gait: The Rottweiler is a trotter. His movement should be balanced, harmonious, sure, powerful and unhindered, with strong forereach and a powerful rear drive. The motion is effortless, efficient, and ground-covering. Front and rear legs are thrown neither in nor out, as the imprint of hind feet should touch that of forefeet. In a trot the forequarters and hindquarters are mutually coordinated while the back remains level, firm and relatively motionless. As speed increases the legs will converge under body towards a center line.

    Temperament: The Rottweiler is basically a calm, confident and courageous dog with a self-assured aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. A Rottweiler is self-confident and responds quietly and with a wait-and-see attitude to influences in his environment. He has an inherent desire to protect home and family, and is an intelligent dog of extreme hardness and adaptability with a strong willingness to work, making him especially suited as a companion, guardian and general all-purpose dog.

    3. German Shepherd

    General Appearance: The first impression of a good German Shepherd Dog is that of a strong, agile, well muscled animal, alert and full of life. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. The dog is longer than tall, deep-bodied, and presents an outline of smooth curves rather than angles. It looks substantial and not spindly, giving the impression, both at rest and in motion, of muscular fitness and nimbleness without any look of clumsiness or soft living. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility–difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Secondary sex characteristics are strongly marked, and every animal gives a definite impression of masculinity or femininity, according to its sex.

    German ShepherdSize, Proportion, Substance: The desired height for males at the top of the highest point of the shoulder blade is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches.

    The German Shepherd Dog is longer than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½. The length is measured from the point of the prosternum or breastbone to the rear edge of the pelvis, the ischial tuberosity. The desirable long proportion is not derived from a long back, but from overall length with relation to height, which is achieved by length of forequarter and length of withers and hindquarter, viewed from the side.

    Gait: A German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and its structure has been developed to meet the requirements of its work. General Impression– The gait is outreaching, elastic, seemingly without effort, smooth and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps. At a walk it covers a great deal of ground, with long stride of both hind legs and forelegs. At a trot the dog covers still more ground with even longer stride, and moves powerfully but easily, with coordination and balance so that the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. In order to achieve ideal movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver, through the back, a powerful forward thrust which slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward. Reaching far under, and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hind foot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and sweep back, the stroke of the hind leg finishing with the foot still close to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The overreach of the hindquarter usually necessitates one hind foot passing outside and the other hind foot passing inside the track of the forefeet, and such action is not faulty unless the locomotion is crabwise with the dog’s body sideways out of the normal straight line.

    Temperament: The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand. The dog must not be timid, shrinking behind its master or handler; it should not be nervous, looking about or upward with anxious expression or showing nervous reactions, such as tucking of tail, to strange sounds or sights. Lack of confidence under any surroundings is not typical of good character.

    4. Doberman Pinscher

    General Appearance: The appearance is that of a dog of medium size, with a body that is square. Compactly built, muscular and powerful, for great endurance and speed. Elegant in appearance, of proud carriage, reflecting great nobility and temperament. Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

    Doberman PinscherSize, Proportion, Substance: Height at the withers: Dogs 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27½ inches; Bitches 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches. The height, measured vertically from the ground to the highest point of the withers, equalling the length measured horizontally from the forechest to the rear projection of the upper thigh. Length of head, neck and legs in proportion to length and depth of body.

    Gait: Free, balanced, and vigorous, with good reach in the forequarters and good driving power in the hindquarters. When trotting, there is strong rear-action drive. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the same side. Rear and front legs are thrown neither in nor out. Back remains strong and firm. When moving at a fast trot, a properly built dog will single-track.

    Temperament: Energetic, watchful, determined, alert, fearless, loyal and obedient.

    5. Chow

    Chow Chow dogGeneral Appearance: Characteristics – An ancient breed of northern Chinese origin, this all-purpose dog of China was used for hunting, herding, pulling and protection of the home. While primarily a companion today, his working origin must always be remembered when assessing true Chow type. A powerful, sturdy, squarely built, upstanding dog of Arctic type, medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. The body is compact, short coupled, broad and deep, the tail set high and carried closely to the back, the whole supported by four straight, strong, sound legs. Viewed from the side, the hind legs have little apparent angulation and the hock joint and metatarsals are directly beneath the hip joint. It is this structure which produces the characteristic shorter, stilted gait unique to the breed. The large head with broad, flat skull and short, broad and deep muzzle is proudly carried and accentuated by a ruff. Elegance and substance must be combined into a well balanced whole, never so massive as to outweigh his ability to be active, alert and agile. Clothed in a smooth or an offstanding rough double coat, the Chow is a masterpiece of beauty, dignity and naturalness. Essential to true Chow type are his unique blue-black tongue, scowling expression and stilted gait.

    Size, Proportions, Substance: Size — The average height of adult specimens is 17 to 20 inches at the withers but in every case consideration of overall proportions and type should take precedence over size. Proportions — Square in profile and close coupled. Distance from forechest to point of buttocks equals height at the highest points of the withers. Serious Fault Profile other than square. Distance from tip of elbow to ground is half the height at the withers. Floor of chest level with tips of elbows. Width viewed from the front and rear is the same and must be broad. It is these proportions that are essential to true Chow type. In judging puppies, no allowance should be made for their failure to conform to these proportions.

    Substance — Medium in size with strong muscular development and heavy bone. Equally objectionable are snipy, fine boned specimens and overdone, ponderous, cloddy specimens. In comparing specimens of different sex, due allowance must be made in favor of the bitches who may not have as much head or substance as do the males. There is an impression of femininity in bitches as compared to an impression of masculinity in dogs.

    Gait: Proper movement is the crucial test of proper conformation and soundness. It must be sound, straight moving, agile, brief, quick, and powerful, never lumbering. The rear gait shorter and stilted because of the straighter rear assembly. It is from the side that the unique stilted action is most easily assessed. The rear leg moves up and forward from the hip in a straight, stilted pendulum-like line with a slight bounce in the rump, the legs extend neither far forward nor far backward. The hind foot has a strong thrust which transfers power to the body in an almost straight line due to the minimal rear leg angulation. To transmit this power efficiently to the front assembly, the coupling must be short and there should be no roll through the midsection. Viewed from the rear, the line of bone from hip joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases the hind legs incline slightly inward. The stifle joints must point in the line of travel, not outward resulting in a bowlegged appearance nor hitching in under the dog. Viewed from the front, the line of bone from shoulder joint to pad remains straight as the dog moves. As the speed increases, the forelegs do not move in exact parallel planes, rather, incline slightly inward. The front legs must not swing out in semicircles nor mince or show any evidence of hackney action. The front and rear assemblies must be in dynamic equilibrium. Somewhat lacking in speed, the Chow has excellent endurance because the sound, straight rear leg provides direct, usable power efficiently.

    Temperament: Keen intelligence, an independent spirit and innate dignity give the Chow an aura of aloofness. It is a Chow’s nature to be reserved and discerning with strangers. Because of its deep set eyes the Chow has limited peripheral vision and is best approached from the front.

    6. Rhodesian Ridgeback

    Rhodesian RidgebackGeneral Appearance: The Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.

    Size, Proportion, Substance: A mature Ridgeback should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs–25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches–24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs–85 pounds; Bitches–70 pounds.

    Gait: At the trot, the back is held level and the stride is efficient, long, free and unrestricted. Reach and drive expressing a perfect balance between power and elegance. At the chase, the Ridgeback demonstrates great coursing ability and endurance.

    Temperament: Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers.

    More information about the different dogs: American Kennel Club

    Self-Defense Techniques

    Friday, August 31st, 2007

    Nancy Lanoue of Thousand Waves Martial Arts and Self-Defense Center in Chicago shares self-defense techniques to repel would-be attackers.

    Top 5 Thefts We Most Fear

    Friday, August 31st, 2007

    1. Being Mugged

    To mug in the verb form means to assault or menace a person with the intent of robbery. To be mugged means physical injury and loss of valuables. There is also emotional injury involved. There are people who get traumatized after even just one experience. And who wouldn’t? Not only are your valuables lost, your sense of physical and personal security was also invaded.

    home invasion2. Being Burgled

    To be a victim of burglary is to experience a violation of your privacy, and in your own territory. It makes you feel like you are not even safe in your own home.

    3. Having their car stolen

    You saved for it, kept it clean and sleek, washed it every week… and one day, it’s gone. Stolen. How would you feel? Understandably upset. Not to mention it makes you feel like buying a new car might become a waste if it were stolen again. Having a car stolen would be especially scary if it happens on your own home or garage. Talk about home intrusion and invasion.

    4. Being Pickpocketed

    PickpocketA pickpocket is a person who steals money, wallets, and others, in the pockets of people in public and crowded places. One minute, you have your wallet in your back pocket, and when you reach for it twenty minutes late, it’s not there anymore. Swiped. And you didn’t know when it was taken and who it was. This can give a shock to some people who think that being in public place with lots of eyes watching can be a safe haven from thieves. It can save you from an assault, of course. But you’d still be scared a little at how someone can just swipe your money off you in a place full of people.

    5. Being Car Jacked

    A car jack is when a thief forcibly steals a car from its owner. Imagine yourself just opening your car door when someone approaches you and sticks a knife or gun on your back. He wants your keys, maybe some of your money, and your car. There are instances wherein violence and assault can be involved.